In the southwestern corner of the city lies the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo si), which contains the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China. In 1098, the chancellor of the Western Xia Dynasty alledgedly excavated, although probably ordered to be built, a reclining Buddha covered with colored glazed tiles.

The existing complex is made up of the Giant Buddha Hall (Dafo dian), the Buddhist Classics Hall (Cangjing ge) and a Clay Pagoda (Tu ta). Upon entering the gates of the temple the first thing that you will see is the imposing 33m-high Giant Buddha Hall. The gold-covered Buddha within is gigantic, 34.5m long and 7.5m high, with feet of 4m and even ears of 2m! The Buddha is flanked by nine smaller arhats on both sides, while behind stand ten disciples. In the two side-halls, there are colorful murals depicting ancient Chinese legends.

Next comes the Buddhist Classics Hall, which boasts a rare collection of over 6,000 tomes of lections written with ink containing gold and silver.

At the back of the temple stands a clay pagoda 33m in height, on the bottom two stories of which are four miniature pagodas.

Address: In Dafosi lane (Dafosi xiang), just off Minzhu xijie.
How to get there: From the railway station, take a taxi, which should cost you no more than RMB10. If you are already in town, the fare is still cheaper.
Opening hours: 7:30am-6:30pm.
Cost: RMB22.